Les Dauphins Heureux offers mouth-watering Creole dishes |23 July 2012

Apart from the restaurant which specialises in Creole cuisine as well as other dishes, the establishment -- which opened its doors over a year and a half ago -- also comprises five self-catering apartments for four to six people called Les Pieds dans L’eau.

The establishment is run entirely by a team of 15 Seychellois which the owner and manager, Marie-Noelle DeBey, strives to keep, promoting the local flavour and know-how of our Creole culture.

In the kitchen work five cooks, all of them Seychellois, who know and have a passion for the Creole cuisine. Among them are some graduates from the Seychelles Tourism Academy who also prepare the international dishes and add the foreign touch and variety.

The eldest of five children from a family who has been in the hotel business for many years, Mrs DeBey born Frichot is the one running the establishment, thus honouring her father’s wish.

The restaurant aims to promote Creole cuisine on this southern coastal corner of the island.

Mrs DeBey, who says she owes her experience as a cook to her mother -- who herself ran the Bougainville Hotel and Restaurant alongside her father for many years --  is at ease helping out and directing the team in the restaurant’s kitchen as well as throughout the whole establishment.

“My aim is to promote the Creole cuisine and ensure that after visiting the place clients are content enough to spread the word among their friends,” she said.

Mrs DeBey obtains all the fresh produce for her restaurant from small local entrepreneurs and only buys imported ones to supplement her intake when necessary.

“I prefer locally produced fruit, vegetables and spices which, when blended together, give the real Creole taste and flavour,” she says.

The restaurant, though situated in the heart of Anse Royale where all the activities take place and all the services are located, is properly shielded; its architectural designs provide the comfort and exclusive privacy everyone looks for in such places.

“Once inside, you never for once think that you are close to the main road and the hustle and bustle of village life because the cosiness and privacy of the place is unique,”  Mrs DeBey remarks.

Tucked among the vegetation usually found near the beach, the apartments’ bedrooms overlook the panoramic view of Anse Royale bay and beyond.

In the restaurant itself clients are free to sit inside or under the verandah nearer to the beach.

Their meals over, clients are free to relax with their feet in the water or lounge in the sunshine on deck chairs placed on the sand close to the restaurant.

The restaurant opens from 8.30am to serve breakfast. It also offers lunch and dinner.
On Friday evening it is fish and chips night with entertainment provided by Jose Charles and Alain Melanie.

Saturday evening is Tapas and Sangria (à la carte dinner is also available) with entertainment provided by the Jabba Steel band while Sunday is Creole buffet from 1pm to 3.30pm with John Vital as entertainer.

The restaurant serves great cappuccinos, cocktails and caters for private functions and business lunches and dinners.

For the special Creole dishes served in natural surroundings and comfort, Les Dauphins Heureux Café Restaurant is the ideal place to be. For all reservations call Jeline Pool any time on 4430100.

M-A.L.